Nuffield Council on Bioethics survey on genome editing in human reproduction

Introduction

A new biological technique could allow us to ‘edit out’ genetic disease in future generations. But what would be the implications?

Genome editing may offer benefits to people with some medical conditions by allowing genetic variants that are associated with serious illness or infertility to be ‘edited out’. The technique could also be used to target characteristics other than those associated with illness and health. Before long, policy makers will have to confront important questions about how far we, as a society, should go in altering fundamental aspects of human biology.

We are the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, an independent organisation that examines ethical questions about the future of biology and medicine. For 25 years we have provided respected independent reviews and advice to professionals and policy makers. We think decisions about genome editing should be informed by a broad debate that involves as many people in our society as possible. We have produced this questionnaire to stimulate thought and debate, and to provide a way of making people’s views heard. No special knowledge is needed to complete the questionnaire, just a willingness to think through the situations described.

More information about the Nuffield Council on Bioethics and why we are running this survey is available here.